An initial evaluation must be completed by a school psychologist to determine eligibility. A parent or any person in a caregiving or professional position concerned that a student may have a disability or concerned about a student’s development may refer a student for an initial evaluation for purposes of determining whether the student needs special education.
Evaluation of all areas related to the suspected disability is required. The evaluation process should be sufficiently comprehensive and child driven.
Students must have a disability to be considered for special education. To be eligible for special education services, a student must first be found to have a disability which is causes an inability to make effective progress in school. Team members should identify the type of disability before taking the next step in the eligibility process.